ABSTRACT
This chapter will provide philosophical and theoretical perspectives, and begin with a review of the literature on improvisation, questioning the apparent disparity between improvisation as art and as therapy. Concerning this I will put forward a definition of the improvisational perspectives of music therapy. Further discussions will provide a context for my views on the therapeutic effects of music. A summary of music therapy in palliative care will be related to the importance of improvisation when working with clients with HIV and AIDS.
